Cherry spoon

Cherry spoon, coffee stained and oiled with walnut oil

Iceland trek

Iceland trek along the Laugavegurinn trail

Link to album:
https://goo.gl/photos/HKZxcWAStnCFFTDE6

New Gear: 550 Firecord

This product is currently a kickstarter project so  it has not been tested in anyway. Basically 550 FireCord is 550 parachute cord or "paracord" but with the ability to use it as tinder for fire starting.

So, deploy your 550 FireCord to meet all of your parachute cord needs. For example,zipper pulls and handles to keychains, bracelets and lanyards and as simply as lashing.

When you need the fire tinder remove the inner strands, light just like any fire tinder and build your fire.  After the inner strands are used the outer shell can still be utilized as before. 550 Firecord is also waterproof, however, I am not sure of its longevity in the field and how long it would last when stored. For more information check out:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/livefiregear/550-firecord-the-ultimate-emergency-fire-starter

Field Test: Maxpedition pocket organisers (the mini and the fatty)

A quick look at a couple of maxpedition pocket organisers for backpacking and trekking. The organisers are usually used for EDC but make great organisers when backpacking. They can be used for all your little gadgets and such as well as used as a first aid kit or survival kit. The two pocket organisers are the 'mini' and the 'fatty'.  The mini is a smallish EDC pocket organiser, while the fatty is larger and deeper. Generally, the mini is more than adequate for carrying items for backpacking trips but if you need extra storage the fatty is a fair bit larger and has the addition of another zipped pocket that can be used for an interdependent first aid kit.

Mini Tech specs:

Very compact 4 x 6 x 0.75 size

Drops into pants cargo pocket or backpack/bag

Full clamshell opening main compartment with dual zips

Inside left: Slip pocket; key ring; elastic organizer with 6 divisions

Inside right: Slip pocket; tie-down loop; elastic organizer with 4 divisions

Front exterior: 1.5 x 3 loop field for patches; mesh slip pocket with hook-and-loop closure

Back exterior: Carry handle; attachment webbing

MOLLE compatible

Attach using two 3" TacTie Attachment Straps (optional accessory)

1050-denier nylon construction with reinforced stitching throughout

Fatty Tech specs:

Compact 5 x 7 x 2in size

Drops into or attaches onto backpack or bag

Full clamshell opening main compartment with dual zips

Inside left: Slip pocket; key ring; tie-down loop, elastic organizer with 9 divisions Inside right: Zipper pocket; elastic organizer with 6 divisions

Inside center has additional elastic loop

Front exterior: 2 x 3in loop field for patches; mesh slip pocket with hook-and-loop closureBack exterior: Oversized carry handle; attachment webbing

Gear we like: handmade wooden stacking mugs by Snow Peak

These wooden cups by Snow Peak come in three different sizes which are stackable for easy storing. This is the wooden version of their popular titanium cups. Hand-crafted in Japan they are made of Japanese Cherry Birch.

Last light

Traditional style hand-forged bushcraft knife

A traditional style Hand-forged bushcraft knife, finished off with leather trim. Made by my local friend Roger Barnard.